The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has announced that it is considering ‘lifting restrictions on the use of intellectual property contained in certain goods’ that cannot be imported due to sanctions or are no longer sold in Russia because of brands boycotts. Goods (or group of goods) involved will be decided by the Russian Government in the coming days.

The proposal implies that Russian companies may use foreign IP – trade marks, design, copyright and patents – to minimise the effect of western sanctions against Russia, creating a basis for the sale of counterfeit products.

ECTA will continue to monitor the situation and will keep its members informed of any developments.